Daisy Fresh: An American Jiu-Jitsu Story

Jacob Couch Transforms Into A Grappling Icon In Daisy Fresh S3E1

Jacob Couch Transforms Into A Grappling Icon In Daisy Fresh S3E1

Jacob Couch accepts an unexpected call to compete at the WNO Championships in S3 E1 of Daisy Fresh, carving a spot in grappling stardom.

Apr 5, 2023 by Liam Stein
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Back for its third and final season, Daisy Fresh: An American Jiu-Jitsu Story's first episode opened on a fiery note. Following the journey of Pedigo Submission Fighting and its meteoric rise in competitive jiu-jitsu, season three begins in the weeks leading up to the 2021 Who's Number One Championship, where Andrew Wiltse is set to compete in the middleweight division. Due to injury, Wiltse has to drop from the competition; rising colored-belt star Jacob "the Hillbilly Hammer" Couch replaces Wiltse in the competition in the eleventh hour. 

The Daisy Fresh crew has not let their stature and notoriety interfere with shenanigans between practice, evidenced by the opening scene in which Spatch eats a horsefly to entertain his teammates. Although PSF became a sensation in grappling circles and went viral on social media, the team's chop wood, carry water mentality and training attitude remains. On a few days' notice, Jacob Couch jumps at the opportunity to step in and replace Wiltse as the final competitor in the division after several alternate competitors had dropped out. 

Still, Couch had a mountain to climb to qualify for the bracket. The freshly promoted brown belt was more than 20 lbs over the 185 lbs weight limit. 

Documenting the tumultuous weight cut, Couch reflectson the experience saying, "a few hours before Mike [Sears] texted me, I got two [milkshakes], a Mountain Dew, and a cookie. So I finished those, then started cutting weight." Thriving in the face of adversity, the extent of opportunity and doors Couch has opened through his dedication to jiu-jitsu is apparent and inspiring to viewers. As Couch steps off the scale, successfully making weight, all grapplers can relate to the sensation of relief before the true battle begins.

Counted out from the beginning — opening as a +1500 underdog — Couch transitioned from "just lucky to be here" to the arduous, dynamic competitor who fears no opponent whom grappling fans have come to love. The soundtrack intensifying as his first bout commences, Couch battles through a decorated bracket to leave Austin with a 3rd place finish and $8,500 for his efforts.  

 Episode one is an inspiring start to season three of Daisy Fresh.  Pedigo Submission Fighting and its athletes showcase the value of determination, and the social impact jiu-jitsu brings to people of all walks of life.  Jacob Couch teaches, "you can get [to] great places just by doing hard work," as he lives out the American Dream through jiu-jitsu.